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Interesting Facts to Know About Pearl Thusi, Star in Netflix’s First African Series ‘Queen Sono’

The Actress, Model, Television Host and Radio Personality Pearl Thusi is breaking barriers for women in Africa and has made her way to a leading role in the original Netflix series Queen Sono, Netflix’s first African series.

The series will be the first of several that Netflix plans on producing in Africa. Thusi will play the role of a “highly-skilled spy” in the Nextflix drama and comedy based in South Africa, which is expected to hit the streaming service in 2019.

In addition to the significant moves she is making in the film industry, The South African beauty, born Sithembile Xola Pearl Thusi, doesn’t just use her performances to inspire, but her words as well. She is equally passionate about speaking out about women’s issues world-wide.

In a Tweet Monday that sparked attention from fans, she posted an emotional video and captioned it:

“Cannot wait for…every woman on this continent, and actually on this planet, to meet Queen Sono.” Of the deal with Netflix, she added: “It’s going to change the game for every artist on this continent.”

This is what it feels like. I’m so proud and grateful for everyone that made this happen. This was a dream of mine as a little girl.

Thusi’s career began as a young girl participating in pageants in her hometown, kwaNdengezi, KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. When she finally got to high school, she accessed the entertainment industry through modeling earning titles such as Miss KZN 2005, First Runner-up in Miss SA Teen in 2003 and more.

Thusi became known for starring in ABC’s series Quantico. She also appeared in the dark romantic comedy Catching Feelings, created by comedian-turned-director Kagiso Lediga and produced by Tasmin Anderson. The new Netflix series, Queen Sono, made by the same creators, will see Thusi’s character “take on a dangerous mission,” following a story of her personal life.

Queen Sono is expected to be the start of the production of a number of African series for Nexflix.

The Netflix Vice President Erik Barmack announced the news a week ago and said about the impending series with South African Independent Online :

“Taking talent like this and telling stories to the rest of the world puts Pearl in the same category as other strong female characters like Claire Underwood in ‘House of Cards’ and Jessica Jones.”

“Over time, our roots will get deeper in Africa and South Africa, and we’re moving pretty quickly to that now, and plan to invest more in local content.”

He Continued:

The streamer is upping its stakes in Africa, acquiring worldwide rights this year to “Lionheart,” by Nigeria’s Genevieve Nnaji, and landing an upcoming world premiere at Sundance for Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Malawi-shot directorial debut, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.”

Thusi has a long resume of other achievements such as hosting for Elle, GQ, The Metro FM awards, Simon Sabela Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, South African Film & Television Awards, South African Music Awards and other music events around the country.

Thusi’s roles include appearances in Zone 14, Soul City, Rhythm City, Family Bonds, Number 1 Ladies and so much more.

She Supports Key Issues for Women Empowerment

One thing that Thusi enjoys is supporting groups who advocate for women’s right — she is vocal about her support for Global Citizens, a movement of engaged citizens who are using their voice to end extreme poverty by 2030.

On December 2, 2018, she hosted the GlobalfundGlobalfund, “Investing in Women and Girls,” which was an initiative and panel discussion with H.E the PM of Norway, the UN Dep. Secretary General, RSA Minister of health and more.

She took to social media to discuss her views about the AIDS Epidemic and fighting against AIDS for World Aids Day.

“Everyday the nearly 1,000 girls and young women are infected with HIV,” she wrote on her Instagram page, “The GlobalFund HER initiative is scalling-up prevention programs that put women and girls’ voice first. This #WorldAIDSDay I’m with HER #HIVEPIDEMICRESPONSE

Mother and Daughter Love

Although, Thusi has a love for career, there is someone who comes first — her beautiful daughter, Thandolwethu Mokoena. The two of them are inseparable often seen on social media doing everything together from on stage performances to taking cute photos on Instagram.

The actress said of her daughter:

When I look at her, I see the future of this world- bold, beautiful & kind.

“I love you my darling. You’re everything I thought I didn’t deserve. Thank you for choosing me. Will always make sure you keep your head up. Always got your back. 🖤 @thando__m 🖤 You are in every sense of the meaning, a “Mother’s love” . #africanwomen #africanpower #girlpower #love #afro #legacy #loveofmylife”